CCL Training: Building Relationships With County Commissioners As Trusted Messengers

County commissioners are among the most powerful yet underutilized allies in climate advocacy, according to a Citizens Climate Lobby training that reveals how local leaders can serve as 'trusted messengers' to influence members of Congress. The episode unpacks why these officials—especially in rural and politically diverse areas—carry significant weight with lawmakers due to their deep community ties, partisan alignment, and direct involvement in national policy networks. Real-world examples from Montana show that even when initial outreach fails, persistence pays off: one volunteer secured a crucial endorsement after a county commissioner who initially rejected the ask later offered to accompany her on a follow-up visit. The training emphasizes that building relationships is a marathon, not a sprint, and provides a step-by-step framework for identifying, engaging, and securing letters of support from county officials—using customized messaging, shared values like 'liberty' or 'economic resilience,' and leveraging existing local infrastructure like county energy committees. The most striking insight? A single letter from a trusted messenger can dramatically increase political safety for a lawmaker, making climate action feel less risky and more locally grounded. Key takeaways include the importance of starting with people in your direct network, using tailored language that speaks to local priorities, and treating each interaction as part of a long-term relationship.